(Note: These are maximum loads, you should use 10% less to start.)
(See note on Powders below or read all about various Powders.)
Bullet is .311" diameter. (This is same dia. as British
.303)
This is the round shot in the AK-47, the SKS and several other good autos on the used military rifle scene. Some of the thousands of rounds of military ammo are STEEL cases and not suitable for reloading. To verify which is which, carry a small magnet and check whether the cases are brass or steel. If you buy steel, plan to discard them after use.
Almost all military ammo uses the 123 grain FMJ bullet.
There are loads for a 150 grain bullet, but this will not
work in many of the autos. This would be best suited in
something like the Ruger Bolt Action for this cartridge.
MAXIMUM LOADS - - DO NOT EXCEED
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122-125 grain Speer SP or FMJ
Reloader 7 25.5 gr. 2,330 FPS
H4895 29.0 gr. 2,249
H4198 26.5 gr. 2,378
2400 15.3 gr. 1,915
A1680 25.5 gr. 2,368
A2230 29.5 gr. 2,176
IMR 4895 29.0 gr. 2,198 compressed
Viht. N120 23.2 gr. 2,258 (123 grain Hornady FMJ)
Viht. N120 24.0 gr. 2,350 (123 grain Hornady FMJ)
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150 grain Speer Spire SP
H4895 28.0 gr. 2,154 FPS
H4198 24.5 gr. 2,122
2400 14.8 gr. 1,800
Reloader7 24.8 gr. 2,145
A1680 22.5 gr. 2,055
A2230 27.0 gr. 1,976
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Discussion:
There are plenty of these rifles and rounds of ammo on
the market today, but it may be drying up in the future.
It would be wise to buy reloadable rounds in large
quantities while available and prices are not too high.
*
#2400, Reloader 7, 11, 12, and 15 are products of Alliant (formerly Hercules) Powders.
H380, H414, H450, H4350 and H4895 are products of Hodgdon Powders.
IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company.
A2230, A2495, A2700, A3100, A2015 and A2460 are products of Accurate Arms Company
WMR, WSF, WSL, 760, 748, 680, 231 and 540 are products of Winchester, Components Div.
Viht N120, N130 and N140 are products of VihtaVuori Oy Company, Ammunition Unit
References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet - - Alliant Powder Co. Reloaders' Guide (1995) - - Hodgdon's Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) - - Speer Reloading Manual, #12 - - Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition - - Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. - - VihtaVuori Oy Company,reloading booklet (1995) - - Numerous magazine articles on reloading special calibers and personal loads where noted.